Pair charged over Picton murder

A lone police officer asked members of the public to help
detain two people after a Picton woman was killed yesterday.

The 43-year-old woman was found dead after police were called
to a disturbance at house in the seaside town at the top of
the South Island about 4.30pm.

A police officer who was struggling to detain the alleged
offenders asked neighbours, including Tawhiri Matthews, to
help, 3 News reported.

"[The officer] said 'you are sworn officers from now. Keep
them where they are and it's all up to you. If they move, do
what you can to keep them secure'," Mr Matthews said.

The Picton community was in shock after the woman's death, he
said.

"The way she went out, no one deserves that. She's a mother,"
he said.

Detective Inspector Geoff Jago said two people at the house
were handcuffed and taken into custody without incident.

"The officer took the pair out of the house and sought the
assistance of members of the public to supervise them until
further police officers arrived. Police would like to thank
those members of the public for their assistance," he said.

A man and woman appeared in Blenheim District Court today
charged with murder and were remanded in custody for a
psychiatric assessment. They were also granted name
suppression.